The impact of beaver dam removal on the chemical properties of water in drainage ditches in peatland forests
Despite near-extinction in the nineteenth century, after efficient restoration measures the population of Eurasian beaver (Castor fiber L.) in Latvia currently is viable and growing. While the ecol...
Canopy status modulates formation of wood rays in scots pine under hemiboreal conditions
Abstract Non-structural carbohydrates (NSC) reserves are crucial for trees to cope with weather extremes, thus to ensure their survival and ecological plasticity. The NSC reserves can depend on social status, suggesting uneven plasticity of trees at the stand level. In stemwood of Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.), which is a widespread and important species, NSC reserves are stored in parenchyma in wood rays (WR). The quantity of WRs is adjusted intra-annually, allowing retrospective analysis of factors affecting their formation. Accordingly, the differences in WR quantity in stemwood of dominant and intermediate (canopy trees with reduced and narrow crowns) maturing Scots pine were assesse…
The impact of beaver dam removal on the chemical properties of water in drainage ditches in peatland forests
Despite near-extinction in the nineteenth century, after efficient restoration measures the population of Eurasian beaver (Castor fiber L.) in Latvia currently is viable and growing. While the ecological effect of the species on water quality and biodiversity is generally positive, the high number of animals in production forests often creates challenges for management. Drainage ditches are among the most favoured habitats of beavers resulting in flooded stands, reduced tree growth and economical losses. The aim of the study was to evaluate the chemical properties of water in forest drainage ditches, affected by beaver activity, and their changes after the dam removal. Chemical composition …